Works on all types of paper. Includes handwriting recognition software. Unlocks Windows Vista tablet features. Doubles as a mouse.

Cons

Works only when connected to a PC. Mouse mode takes some getting used to.

Bottom Line

The Iogear Digital Scribe is a useful companion for presentations and adds tablet-like functionality to any PC.

Digital pens have gained popularity recently, particularly with the launch of the Leapfrog Fly Fusion pen last year. An innovative way of bringing handwritten notes into the 21st century, these devices let you translate such notes into text that your computer can save, send, and share. The Iogear Digital Scribe ($99.95 list) can be used to capture notes and display them on your PC in real time. It includes software to convert your scribblings to text and doubles as a mouse. The catch is that the device needs to be attached to your PC (via USB) at all times. The company has just released a slightly more expensive Mobile Digital Scribe ($129.95) that can capture notes on the go.

Similar Products

In the package you'll find the pen, which is powered by a nonrechargeable lithium SR41 watch battery, a retractable USB cable that's attached to the base unit, plus installation software and the My Script Notes 2.1 Lite handwriting recognition app. The base unit clips onto the pad or notebook you're using and contains a sensor that picks up your handwriting or, if you're in mouse mode, detects your movements and clicks. If you're a Windows Vista user, you can take advantage of the operating system's tablet features. The Digital Scribe is also compatible with Microsoft's One Note software, which works with both tablets and traditional PCs.

The Digital Scribe differs from the Fly Fusion and other digital pens I've used in that you can't capture notes while you're away from the computer, which is a bit limiting. The pen communicates with the included base unit, which connects to your PC via USB. This device is much more of a PC peripheral than a standalone gadget. You can, however, use any kind of paper you want, and the pen accepts standard ink refills, so it can double as a plain old writing implement. I could see it being a great tool for teachers and anyone who does a lot of public speaking. In fact, the pen is ideal for use during a presentationyou can draw graphs, highlight points, and project them to a big screen for all to see. Handwritten notes can also be sent in an e-mail message after a meeting or brainstorming session. The pen can also be used to create remindersnotes that will pop up at specified dates and times. Finally, you can create "sticky notes" on your desktop to keep reminders, to-do lists, and phone numbers in view at all times.

If you plan to use the pen and or the sticky notes/reminder function regularly, you should set the program to launch at start-upbut you need to have the base unit connected to your PC for this to work. If it's not connected, you'll get an error message every time you start up, which can be a bit irksome. You can also set the pen to always start in notes mode or mouse mode. Again, this works consistently only if the base unit is plugged in.

Getting started is simple: Clip the base unit to a notebook, a pad, or single piece of paper. You'll see a pen symbol on the left and a mouse symbol on the right on the base unit. To switch between modes you can either press the pen's point down in front of either of the symbols or press the button on the base unitthere's a red light indicator so that you can see which mode you're in at any time. Once you select pen mode, start writing: You'll see a new note pop up automatically, and your writing will appear onscreen in real time. You can easily edit notes on the fly using the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screenyou can highlight, annotate, add additional information, adjust ink color, ink width, and page color, as well as undo and redo actions. With one click you can also convert your notes into editable text from here: MyScript Notes supports ten languages, including English, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. In my tests, the conversion worked well, despite my messy handwriting.

The software also lets you change pen styles, print, e-mail, and copy your notes and export your notes to JPEG format. If someone else sharing your network has a Digital Scribe, you can send notes back and forth directly from the software. When someone sends you a note, it appears right on your desktop along with a notification sound. Right-clicking on the file gives you the option to Edit & Reply, Print, Save to Folder, Send To, and Close. These notes will automatically be saved to your Received Notes folder as well.

You can also use the pen as a mouse. To go into mouse mode, either click on the paper in front of the mouse symbol or press the button on the base unit. To start hovering, press down on the paper or click the pen's side button, which is also how you click. To double-click, simply tap the paper twice or click the button twice. To right-click, press the tip down for a few seconds and a special "right-click" cursor will appear. Lift the pen to see the contextual menu. In my testing, this took some getting used to but worked pretty smoothly once I got the hang of it.

The Iogear Digital Scribe is a handy device if you're an avid note taker, but I prefer the flexibility that the mobile version and other pens, like the FlyFusion Pen, provide without tethering you to a computer. Still, it's an excellent tool for sharing your scribblings and spicing up static PowerPoint presentations.

Read More

About the Author

Molly K. McLaughlin is a New York-based writer and editor with more than a decade of experience covering technology. She has tested and reviewed all sorts of software, mobile apps, and gadgets. Before launching her freelance business, she was an editor at PC Magazine, covering consumer electronics, followed by a stint at ConsumerSearch.com, a revie... See Full Bio

Iogear Digital Scribe (GPEN100C...

Iogear Digital Scribe (GPEN100C)

Get Our Best Stories!

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.